Roots and Shoots: Legacy in the Dust: The Four Aces Story + Janet Kay and Freetown Live

We premiere UK documentary director Winstan Whitter's second feature film, telling the story of the legendary 'Four Aces Club', which became home to the most influential black music and musicians.

Ska and rocksteady maestros Freetown and queen of lovers' rock, Janet Kay will perform live on stage after the screening; Winstan Whitter will join DJs Nick Luscombe and Emma Pettit in benugo bar after the show.

Legacy in the Dust: The Four Aces Story

BFI Southbank's regular live music event returns with a roots, ska and reggae spectacular! We are delighted to be premiering UK documentary director Winstan Whitter's second feature film, telling the story of the legendary 'Four Aces Club', which for some 32 years became home to the most influential black music and musicians. Music was the voice for the West Indian community at the time, and the Four Aces quickly became the focal point and social hub of the London scene, playing host to top performers such as Desmond Decker, Jimmy Cliff, Ben E King and Aswad.

The venue was plagued by what many in the community felt to be a heavy-handed police presence but survived to reinvent itself as a home for a new generation of dance music, until it was finally closed down and demolished in 2007 in the name of the 2012 Olympic urban regeneration programme.

Legacy in the Dust: The Four Aces Story

Directed by:

Winstan Whitter

Cast:

Bunny 'Striker' Lee, Don Letts, The Slits, Dennis Bovell, Llyodie Coxone, Tippa Ire, The Prodigy, Billy Bunter

Country:

UK

Year:

2008

Running time:

90min